Where are the wrinkle free sheets from my childhood?

Question

When I was a kid everyone I knew had really beautiful soft sheets. Many floral patterns and colors were available as well as plaids, stripes and solids. No ironing, no pilling, just soft comfortable linens. I don't remember them costing an arm and a leg either. Why can't I find these bright pretty patterns now?

Answer 1

You don't mention how old you are, but when I was a kid, the only we had wrinkle-free sheets was if they were ironed. It wasn't so bad in the warm weather, when we could hang them out to dry. My mom would put vinegar in the rinse, which acts like a fabric softener (it also gets all the soap residue out).

Patterns change with the times. Unless you know a designer, you're stuck with whatever you find on the shelves.

I do know the higher the thread count, the better the material the sheets are made of. And places like TJ Max, Ross and Marshall's have discontinued sets at lower prices. But if you invest the money, the more expensive sheet sets will last longer.

Answer 2

I think you are talking about percale sheets. That's what I grew up with and they sound exactly like what you describe. What's odd is when you find them now they are usually only 200-250 thread count which isn't high in today's world of egyptian cotton 400+ TC sheets. I saw some recently at Linens n' Things, but they weren't like I remembered. The patterns looked old-fashioned and the sheets looked cheap in general. I always unzip the bag to feel and these weren't nice and smooth either.

Answer 3

Those sheets are in your mother's hall closet.

Also see: http://www.gocomics.com/tomthedancingbug/